Chapter 3: THE CALLS

Ringing!!!!!!! Ring!!!!!!!! Was heard throughout the whole of Bill Spence house... it was severely loud! It was the alarm clock ringing to awaken him from his state of deep slumber! It had been ringing for a while before he had been awoken by it! His eyes were still gauche from sleep and he was sweating profusely from his head, and body! He raised his head from his pillow while rubbing his still heavy from sleep eyes, to eradicate the sleepy sensation form them! He sat at the side of the bed for a good twenty minutes before he came to his senses!

And when he did... finally gotten to his senses! He rushed to the kitchen to plug the coffee-pot into the socket! He then hurried to the bath room and back to the bed-room to get dress!

It was while he was getting dressed he that remembered about all the different places he had to call and probable visit before the day was done!

With great thought, he considered who to call first and where to visit first- he had to prioritize or else he would be frustrating himself, for the rest of day!

And so after slurping down some coffee along with some whole wheat bread; with a little dash of butter, he gathered up all the papers he had rested on his kitchen table with notes he had made pertaining to all the important calls he had to make for the day! Shortly after feeding his face; he was through the front door and in his car heading for work!

It was in his car that Bill recalled that he had left the silver looking object he had found behind the abandon property in his bed-room! Without hesitation, he ran back to the bedroom to fetch it! He placed it into his pocket and he was out through the door again!

Don't ask! The traffic was so heavy on the streets like they were in a procession of the dead!

Motorist from all class of work was rushing and bustling to and fro, on the busy main streets of the city! Those who had worked the grave yard shift were racing to get home via their own transportation, car-pooling or by taxi... criminals and all! And those that did the works-yard shift or the morning glory-shift was rushing to beat the clock! They needed to punch in their cards or sign their names in the company's attendance log-book before the hand of the clock passed the grace period!

And for those who had their own businesses, they had to reach their place of operation in time so they could open doors for their employees!

Breaks were jerking! Horns were blowing loudly! Pawn!!! Pawn!!!! Pawn!!!

While some drivers shouted... why the hell you don't get out of the way!!! Are you an idiot!!!!!!

Pedestrians were dashing back and forth trying to cross the streets! Sometimes, right in front of moving traffic!!!! Causing drivers to jam foot on breaks as the cars gave off...

Squeaking!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds! Damn it man!

While adults screamed out on top of their lungs...

"Where did you get your license from? Are you going to kill-off the children them?"

Even though, the motorist was in the right and they were in the wrong! And then, there were some others sitting in their darling cars, with eye balls moving left to right waiting eagerly for the traffic lights to change from red to green; so they could immediately galloped from the scene and towards their destiny!

And with his foot on the pedal, while still glancing through rear view mirrors to see who was too close behind him... not wanting an accident or any early catastrophe... Finally, Bill was pulling up in his company's parking lot!

He had gotten to his destination, safely at last without his bumper being removed from his car!

This was going to be a busy day for Bill! He had so many persons to call and make appointments with for various tasks! Soon as he settled in his office chair the telephone was in his hand and he made his first call! Douglas Roofing & Limited!

When the respondent answered the telephone; Bill introduced himself and told him that he had acquired his telephone number from Mr. Matthew Grant, who is an Appraiser of properties.

And with that referral, Mr. Douglas tone change to a more enthusiastic one!

He was happy to accommodate Bill Spence for business! Now a date was set for Wednesday evening to meet him at the property so he could examine the roof if there were in fact any leaking taking place! With a haughty thank you from Bill and an enthusiastic; your welcome, from Mr. Douglas, Bill hang up the telephone and he was off to the next call!

Although, this was not a number Bill called often, it was one he was happy to call today! Because one, he genuinely cared about his community and almost everyone who lived there; even though he didn't speak with them often or they weren't one from the pack who visited him three or four times for the week; just to voice their concerns and chit-chat!

And secondly, because someone he admired a lot was working there! He was not at all sure if Vanessa's Boss was at work or if she was or home! However, he secretly prayed she was at home so when he called there, she would answer the phone and he could have the privilege of hearing her sweet and lovely voice!

Nevertheless, Bill thought about trying her office number first; that she had given him many years ago just in case someone should ever needed to reach her from within the community! He wondered if it was still active! But the only way he could find out was to dial the number; and so he did!

Ling!!!!!! Ring!!!!!!!! The telephone went off several times before anyone picked it up!

"Hello, good morning! Janet Clark, attorney at law, speaking! How may I help you?"

"Good morning Janet, this is Bill Spence!

I live in the same community as you!"

Before bill could have said anything more, Ms. Clark jumped in!

"Yes Bill I remember you! I know who you are! What may I do for you now?"

She asked.

"Well Janet, I took the liberty to order one of the water tanks for you! Several of us in the community have put together and ordered some water tanks from one of the plastic companies out of the city! We have come up with the idea to buy the tanks so the water truck can full them once a month or so! In so doing, we can help combat the water issues we have been facing! I know it is only you and your house keeper residing in your home, so I ordered one of the smaller tanks for you! I hope I didn't rush the gun!"

Bill Spence expressed.

"Bill, I really think you have rushed the gun; because I had just asked one of my brothers to obtain a tank for me to get some water from the truck!"

Janet expressed.

"You did?"

Bill asked laughingly.

"Yes, I did! But that was very thoughtful and kind of you, Mr. Spence!"

Janet Clark uttered.

"Well, I was only looking out for you! But I am pretty sure that I'll find someone who will gladly appreciate it! Okay then! I will see you around!"

Bill uttered gracefully.

"Okay Bill, I am very sorry to disappoint you! But, thanks for the consideration!"

Janet Clark remarked.

With the dialogue ended, Bill Spence thought about the various persons who will like the water tanks and who will have the money to purchase it from him!

There were several of them he could think of right away, starting with those he was constructing buildings for!

So he wasn't perplexed by her rejection!

There were other task to attend to and he wasn't going to make one disappointed action obscured his vision for the rest of the day! He knew he should have asked her first; but, did not!

Because everyone had been going through the same issue with the water shortage and this was the only solution that had made sense so far!

Now Bill move his attention to time... what time of the day it was and was he able to make another call; before he went and visited any of the sites work transactions had being completed! Or, was there any potential client who he needed to return their calls and brief them in on what he was able to do from them?

Yes, there were messages left on his answering machine but nothing urgent! He thought they could wait a while longer or even until tomorrow when he had much less task to attend to!

And so Bill decided to call one of the most credited jewelry store in the city and have the object he had found in the yard of the run-down property appraised. He was told he could come in with it anytime he wanted... And so he planned on doing so when it was lunch time!

Now Bill thought about diverting his time to making some calls and schedule appointments for seeing properties where potential clients envision of building their dream home or made modification to their already structured building!

And so three different calls were made three different appointments were schedule for Friday...­­ one in the morning, one in the afternoon and the other was schedule for Friday evening before the traffic rush began!

It was almost lunch time now and Bill was eager to find out what that piece of shiny metal he had found in the yard; on the property behind his house was worth!

He had seen on television many times of persons finding valuable items in old building and assumed this might be his turn to show-off his findings! With the object folded in a piece of paper towel, he secured it into his pants pocket and he was out the doors in search of his possible jack-pot findings!

Within a couple of minutes Bill was pulling up in front the jewelry store with a grin as wide as a dessert bowl!

He was elated! He was happy! He could not wait to find out what it was and what it was worth! He felt good about it! He had a hunch that it was of significant value and he hope he was right!

And with confidence, Bill stepped into the jewelry store and presented his item of jewelry to one of the clerks behind the counter while giving her a little synopsis of how he came into contact with this flamboyant and sparkling object! And now he wanted to go a step further... he would like to know if there is any great value to it!

The clerk called the manager who had a threatening and serious countenance to his face!

She presented the object to him and told him what Bill Spence had related to her! The Manager asked Bill for his identification, made copies of it and then returned it to him! But this time he was smiling as if he knew what the value of the object was worth and was pleased to have it in his presence!

The manager invited Bill to a small room and closed the door behind them! He then offered Bill a seat while he took out his viewing and testing apparatus and started examining the piece of ornate object he had in his hands! While Bill looked on very attentively and with eagerness to hear some positive words spewing from off the jeweler tongue!

And as the jeweler dab some form of a solution and used some form of magnifying object to examine Bill's findings, his face grew brighter with enthusiasm! His eyes were popping as if they intended to burst from their sockets and all thirty-two or less of his pearly whites were dazzling in Bill's face! And with great conviction and exhilaration Bill asked...

"What is it?

Does it worth anything?

Does it, does it?"

And the jeweler exclaimed...

"Yes man, you have hit the jack pot!"

"What?

Really!!!

You're serious!

You are not kidding me, right!"

Bill shouted back with great excitement in his voice!

By now, he was out of his chair and standing in the small room holding his head with both hands; in great disbelieve! He was afraid to ask how much it was worth and who will he get to purchase it! All sort of questions were running through Bill's mind. He wondered if he should exchange cash for it or if he should melt it and have a wedding band made from it or just keep it as an asset in is port-folder and he could cash in on it later on; if he came up with money problem! He just didn't know what to do! He continued holding his head with both hands; as though he was intimidated to let the shock go!

"You don't want to know what its' worth?"

The Jeweler jump in!

Breaking the shock and bringing back some sense of reality to the moment!

"Of course I want to know but a lot of different ideas are going through my head right now! You don't even understand!"

Bill expressed.

All was on Bill's mind was Vanessa and how her admiration in the abandon property had led him to develop some interest in the property!

And also in her!

Furthermore, the first letter of her name was same as the symbol he had found on the property! How he wanted to marry her but was not sure if she really wanted him the same way he wanted her! They were coming from two separate worlds and she was a bit skeptical of his loyalty and his intention towards her; but he was very sincere about his feelings for her! She made his heart happy and he loved all that he had seen and heard from her!

Now, Bill was back in the chair facing the jeweler, he was ready to hear the worth of his findings! And so he blotted out...

"How much can I get for my jack pot?"

With hesitancy and delay, the man who knew the value of the exquisite piece of jewelry kept on tapping on the desk before him several times while still holding the object in his hand and wheeling it around continuously with a giggle on his face!

The tension was on... Bill was full of anticipation! He was now crazed to hear the good news! He was bursting with sweat; and the small room with the absence of air condition didn't make it any better either! His skin was red hot like someone had dowse it with a bunch of scotch-bonnet pepper and his hair had now become like a dog at a shampoo station! He was dripping with perspiration!

And with the both of them now staring at each other the jeweler bust out...

"This baby right here my friend, is valued at three million dollars! Yes, three big one! Could be a little bit more, but I am sure you will get three million for it!"

Now! Bill had really become speechless! He couldn't believe his mysterious fortune! One thing he did know for sure, part of this money had to go to Vanessa whether or not, she accepted him into her heart!

Before leaving the jeweler's shop, photos of the valuable object was taken! The jeweler cleaned it up nicely and placed it into a box and handed back to Bill and told him, when he was ready to sell it; he should call him and let him know! Because he would be very happy to have it placed into his show-case! Bill thanked him and told him that he would consider him first, in case he decided on getting rid of it!

With the valuable object placed securely into his pocket, Bill was in his car and on his way to one of his work sites! He needed to see whatever progress had been made on the property there!

The time was coming up soon for him to brief his client on the finishing date so he could hand them their keys to the building and they could start with their move-in project!

When Bill arrived on the sight he was delighted to see some of the work-men priming and painting the building already! And those who weren't, Bill ordered them; to start moving every piece of rubble from the property and place them on the corner of the street; because he was going to call the truck to remove them and then call in the landscaping team to start placing plants on the property!

Pay-day was around the corner and he was exhilarated and ready to collect!

There was another site to look at but Bill decided to let it stay until the following day! He opted for returning to the office and calling in the landscaping team and the waste company to remove the rubbles from off the corner of the street; not wanting any complaints from the residence in that community! He told the work men he would be back to see them within two days and whatever paint they had left over should be pack away because he wanted to take them back with him!

And as Bill walk back to his car, he felt his pocket to see if his fortune was still there! And it was! He then hopped into his car and he was now, back at Rowe's Plaza where his office was located! And with his hand in his pocket massaging the small box with its content valued at three million dollars! Bill entered his office began making calls to the landscaping company, who told him they would be there within two days; after he had given them the details and the preference of plants his clients world like to have on their property! They were loyal to Bill the same way he had been to them for the past ten years or so!

And with that arrangement settled, Bill thanked them, replaced the telephone on the receiver and was off, to the next call!

The number to the waste company was dialed and the arrangement was made for them to come and remove whatever riffraff that had been placed on the street corner! They too agreed to be there within two days and they too were a reliable service Bill could depend on to get the job done!

And just as Bill hang-up the phone and was about to relaxed a little; the telephone rang!

It was Janet Clark, Vanessa's boss on the other end! She wanted to know if Bill still had the water tank available or if he had gotten a buyer for it already!

Apparently, her brother was unable to come up with the one she had asked him to obtain for her; so she wanted the one Bill had offered her initially!

"To be honest with you, Janet; I did not even get a chance to offer it to anyone else, as yet! So if you want it, it is all yours! It will cost you around eight thousand dollars and it contains around twenty-five gallons of water! I had ordered a smaller one for you because it is only you and your helper residing on the property! I hope that's okay with you!"

Bill Spence explained to her.

"So, how much, is the bigger of the two?

Janet Clark asked.

"Well the bigger tank holds thirty gallons of water and it will cost ten thousand dollars!"

Bill Spence replied.

"Okay then, the smaller one will do! The twenty five gallon will suffice us alright! Thank you for considering us, I appreciate it!

Janet Clark expressed.

"You will have to wait a little while! You will get it in a week and a half or so!"

Bill Spence explained.

"I'll wait! Thank you very much Bill!"

Janet Clark expressed.

They both said their final good byes and got off the phones!

Bill felt very elated that she had come around to wanting the water tank! And now his mind shifted towards Vanessa and he thought about calling her just to hear her voice and try convincing her more of his feelings and his intention towards her!

But he refrained himself from doing so! And under his breath he uttered...

"She will realize it one day and one day soon!"

The famish gases were being activated in Bills stomach and travelling to his head causing him to feel a bit dizzy!

The day was coming to a close and he just realized that he hadn't eaten anything for lunch! So he dragged himself through the office doors to purchase something to eat and within minutes in was back in his office; chewing on bread and cheese and sopping down ginger-ail soda to eliminate his hunger!

But as soon as he was finish he was back on the telephone again making appoints to meet with potential clients! Seeing who will accept him as the foreman to their dream building or have him reconstruct their existing property or maybe renovate the old one they possess or had recently purchase!

He was very good at what he did for a living and he had a good team of men working for him! And so far his recommendation had only been nothing but positive!

And he thanked his lucky star for all who were on his team and for the ability and gift to do what he does!

With a few appointments made for later in the week he was exhausted and was ready to leave work for the day and head on home! He had a busy week ahead of him so he needed to eat well and get some rest for the coming week!

Thankfully, that evening, no one came by his house!

So he fixed himself something to eat, showered and went straight into bed! If the whole world was burning down, he wouldn't have known it; because he was so fast asleep and out of this world until four a.m. the following morning! This time though, he had beaten the alarm clock to its ringing!

And as he sat-up on his bed, with his back resting against the head-board; Bill thought about Vanessa, hoping she was there with him! Hoping she would love him and saw him as someone who truly loved her and wanted to make a difference in her life! And within moments... with his heart paining and aching for her his mind shifted towards the piece of jewelry! Immediately, he jumped from his bed and race to bath-room where he had taken off his pants; to see if it was still inside his pocket! Gratefully, it was!

Because he had been so tired he had totally forgotten about it in his pocket! And, that he should have put some place safe as soon as he had arrived home until, it was time for him to decide what he was going to do with it!

Vanessa was the one who had led him to it and it was much hers as it was his! And he thought to himself; he would never forgive himself, if he had lost it!

And with the mighty fortune in his hand, Bill thought about where to put it; that was very safe and undiscerning of his sometimes nosey neighbors who came to visit with him twice or trice in a week!

With every alertness and careful consideration, Bill got out some duct tape and past the valuable piece of jewelry behind his bed head board securely as he could! He felt very confident that no one would ever find it unless they were rearranging the furniture in his house and he fail to believe that would ever happen while he was still breathing!

With the jack-pot safely secured; Bill turned his attention to making his breakfast and listening to the morning news! Which he only did out of curiosity! Because, the news was usually so depressing and heart breaking to watch and listen to! And as soon as breakfast was down, he headed for the shower and within moments he was out with his towel raped tightly around his waist exposing his firm behind cheeks and his masculine bulky back muscles

It was time for leaving the house now so he entered his car, reversed through the gates, parking the car at the opposite side of his house. He had returned to close the gate behind him and then he was back in his car and now, on his way off for his days' work!

And with this day being very busy, Bill knew tomorrow would be much busier than today! And so he planned his schedule carefully to accommodate his many task at hand! He had decided to meet with two potential clients and see what the lay-out of their property looked like, how he can help them achieve what they were envisioning and bring it to a reality for them! And then he had two other sites that were on their way getting the green-light - they were almost done and ready to be passed by the building inspector! With that knowledge he planned on running by them today after he had met with his potential clients and had seen their property; and also acquired some form of feed-back of what they were expecting to achieve!

The day went very smoothly as Bill Spence had planned and hoped for it to be! No accidents or incidents! No change of plans! No drama on the work site with any of the men! It was perfect!

Tomorrow was around the corner! It would be the most, busiest of all days during the week for Bill! Because, he had to meet with the roofing company, returned to the office and then go back to the sight to pay the cleaning company and give the landscaping company a deposit on their work! He then had to go to the bank to make sure that sufficient funds was in the account so the check wouldn't come back bounce; causing his reputation to go on the line! And he knew the long line he would be encountering at the bank; before his transaction would be completed!

Even though, the bank had a business line for persons like him, the wait was still long and tedious! After that, he would have to go back to the office and then, drive home! But he was able!

On his way home from work Bill prepare himself mentally for the day ahead and took his shower and had something substantial to eat once he had reached home! But it wasn't long after he had gotten out of the shower a small crowed began to embark at his front-step! And for the first time in a very long time, Bill told them he was very tired and needed to have some rest; so if they were going to stick around they needed to be quiet! And with that said; he had his meal and went straight to his bed! And very soon after he was taken away by sleep! Resulting from his ethic days and tiredness!

It was after eight p.m. before the small crowed decided to leave and they knew better than anyone; not to disturb his rest! So, they turned the television and the lights off and gentle locked the door behind them; securing the safety lock inside as they did so! And so they left Bill motionless, but snoring, to finish his act of rejuvenation!

And like clock-work! He was up the following day at four a.m. and ready to take on the world! With a cold shower to rinse-off whatever slumber that was still lingering and some food in his stomach; Bill was dress and ready to go to work! And just like the morning before; the traffic was ethic and the roads were crowded with pedestrians going about their business! As bike and bicycle-riders; some selling news-papers; swinging back and forth and in and out of traffic; causing foot-walkers to jump-up on side walk as if they had seen a snake; and take second glances to see if the riders had made it through alright! Although, Bill had left out a little earlier than the morning before; the streets were still crammed with motor vehicles, pedestrians and foot peddlers!

And as Bill settled in his office the telephone wrong!

A seasoned client had called him to come and see about a property they had not too long ago purchased for their daughter! They wanted to construct a structure on it! But, he had to reject their early appointment plans, temporarily! And re-scheduled to see them the first thing the following week!

Thankfully, they weren't too disappointed and agreed to meet with Bill the upcoming week!

And so the ball went on! Bill visited some of his work site and then the time came around for him to meet with the roofing inspector! Right away he got into his car and rushed back to the community where he lived and waited patiently until he showed up!

And while he waited he thought about Vanessa and how lucky he was to have met her; and all the changes she had brought to his life! All which were mostly, positive!

Within half an hour the big van swung around the corner with all sorts of contraptions on top of it! Taking Bill off guard! He was very late! But, he didn't waste any time getting the work started! Personal introduction wasn't important right now, work was!

Mr. Douglas hopped out of his truck! Barely, acknowledging the presences of Bill Spence! And he began pulling hoses and turning on heavy circular pipes that looked like a car steering wheel! And his work-men were throwing the hose to the roof as the water gushed from the hose and unto the roof! And as Mr. Douglas shouted more, more!!!! I say more man!!!!

One of the work-men increase the pressure of the water causing humongous amount of clustered mud gushed from off the roof until the water coming from the roof gradually became clear and clear!

It was at this moment Mr. Douglas stepped inside the building and walked through every room to see if water was seeping through any of the walls!

With a sense of flamboyancy and arrogance; Mr. Douglas began to shout on top of his voice as though he had expected Bill Spence to read his mind and know to follow him inside right away! And as he marched from some place inside the house he came to the verandah and loudly asked...

"Where is the man? Man why you don't come on inside and see what's taking place! What you think? You cannot see, if there are any leaks inside the house from standing outside there; you know!"

As he, motioned with his hand for Bill to come inside the house.

Bill who was leaning on his car, hurriedly walked to the house and the both of them walked the entire house, room by room to see if there was any water seeping down the walls of the abandon house.

Evidently, it was in very good condition except for one section in the kitchen! Smears of water began to trickle down the walls of the kitchen and unto the counter tops; which Mr. Douglas pointed out to Bill! He further advised him; he could have it fixed toady or later on if he wanted to! All, he needed to do was to dry the roof off and then sealed it with tar! But Bill opted for a later date! Although, the ball seemed to be in his court, he wanted to wait until the whole property was in his hands; deed and all before he did anything to it!

Bill thanked him for coming and examining the roof for him and wrote him a check for his service while stating to Mr. Douglas that he would call him; as soon as he had gotten the okay that the property was his! They both shook hands and then went in separate directions!

The fact that the predicament of the roof was in good condition for the most part; causing Bill's countenance to illuminate with excitement! Now, he had an idea of how much work he will be putting into the property! He was happy but most of all he was grateful!!

And for the rest of the day Bill went and checked out his work sites, rushed to the bank and transferred whatever funds were needed; and then he was back at his office! And when the day was done he rode home feeling tired but elated internally with all that he had accomplished during the day.

Dust, dawn and daylights alternated for little over a week and it was now time for Bill to call back Synthetic & Things! He needed to inquire about the water tanks.

For most part, he had collected the funds from his neighbors and who hadn't surrender their funds as yet; stated to him why and when they will be able to do so! He was fine with that... he knew they would come up with it sooner or later! But the dead-line was around the corner! So he urged them to come up with the rest of their payment soon! Or else, if someone else needed it he would be selling it to them! And then, they would have to make their own purchases with the company and they might have to pay much more than what they are paying for it now! But Bill would never do that! He had only past on that scenario by them so as to motive them to pay him and not hold their burden for them!

The following day had rolled around, and when availability had lends itself Bill called Synthetic & Things to find out if the water tanks were already completed! And they were! But, would be going through final inspection the following day! So the customer service personnel told him, to call back the following day in the afternoon. By that time, he would be sure if they should deliver the tanks to him or he could come and pick them up himself! A little disappointed, Bill thanked her and was off the phone and on to the next call!

And before he could call one of his clients, the phone wrong! It was Matthew Grant on the other end! He had called Bill to inform him that he had completed his appraisal report and he could come and pick it up or have it sent to him by express mail!

Bill was not expecting the appraisal report this soon, the next two weeks, but not now! And when he expresses such to Mr. Matthew Grant, he bolted out miserably and obnoxiously...

"Well, I thought you needed it urgently, so I had delayed some of the others and took care of it for you! So, if you are not ready for it, I can always place it in my file cabinet until you are ready for it!"

Not surprise by his attitude, Bill told him to send it via express mail! And with a second thought he changed his mind; and told Mr. Grant that he would come and pick it up himself! He wanted it in his hands personally, he did not want any incidents occurring; causing him to pay for another appraisal fee and waiting another two weeks for the results! With it in his hands, it was safe!

"What time do you think you will get here?"

Mr. Grant blurted out!

"I'll be there within half-a half hour; or so!"

Bill Spence replied!

"That's my lunch time but I'll wait for you... I'll wait until you get here!"

Mr. Grant stated!

"Okay, Sir, I'll be there!"

Bill expressed.

And as soon as the telephone was on the receiver, Bill closed his office doors and he was in his car heading east to where Mr. Grant's Office was located! He was a bit short of the half hour he had promised Mr. Grant; causing him to be greeted with a grotesque and uncanny countenance!

The car door was shut abruptly and Bill was walking towards the building of Mr. Grant's office when he saw him exiting through one of the doors of the building!

Bill had gotten no time to apologize for his untimeliness before he heard Mr. Grant blurted out!

"You forgot, I told you it was my lunch time! This is not thirty minutes, this is more like an hour, you know! Did you stop on the way and buy my lunch, so I don't have to go on the road again in boiling sun?"

Not a word was spoken by Bill. Mr. Grant demanded, loudly...

"You buying my lunch today, you better know that, Mr. Big-Shot!"

And to a little corner restaurant at the end of the building Mr. Grant lead Bill Spence! He then pulled out his chair and called for service! With the arrival of the waitress he made his order and then turned his focus towards Bill and asked him...

"What you having? I am not eating alone today, so you better order something!"

Bill wasn't prepared for this... he was ambushed into buying lunch for another person - Mr. Grant! He didn't see any way out of this predicament!

Because he had allowed him to feel guilty that he missed his lunch time and he had to go on the street in the boiling sun in order to get something to eat! When in fact, he did not have to, because a restaurant was right there!

So Bill made is order and the two men chatted while they ate as if they were old time buddies until the meal was done and the tab was paid!

And before Bill could return his wallet back to his pocket Mr. Grant uttered discreetly but cautiously; with eyes that looked like they were popping out of his head!

"You know my friend, it was a lot of work, I did back there for you, you realized that my friend? A lot of work!!! And not to mention all the paper work! See how fast, I had it done for you?"

And as Mr. Grant bleach out those words; he pounded on the table continuously as his eyes moved from Bills eyes to his wallet!

It didn't take long for Bill to realize what he was up to! He wanted to peddle him out of some more money! He was not at all venerable but he needed to end this business relation with dignity and without grudges!

So Bill took three additional bills from his wallet and slid it across the table to Mr. Grant who was grinning like a he was on the happy drug!

With the money in his hands Mr. Grant told Bill Spence to wait right there a minute and headed off to his office to fetch the envelope with the appraisal report in it! He returned with it, still grinning and continued to express to Bill that he had done a very good job for him! It wasn't until Bill had opened the envelope that he realized what he was really talking about! He actually, would be paying nothing for the property! The revelation made Bill gave him a hearty-hand shake, a hug and promised to do lunch with him again... sometime soon! And in that same moment, Bill confessed to Mr. Grant that he had really enjoyed having lunch with him even though, it was spontaneous!

The car waiting for him in the blazing hot sun and when he got inside it was like a pizza oven! Bill rolled the windows down , put the keys into the ignition, started the car engine and was about to drive off; when Mr. Grant suggested to him to come back to this spot and bring his friends; because he would do well with the business!

Surprise to learn he was the proud owner of the restaurant - his side business! Bill promised him, he would come back there for sure and patronized his business when he was able to!

Glad and exhilarated, Bill Spence drove back to his office, over joyed! He couldn't believe that he had the appraisal report in his hands! Now, he knew what the property was worth and he could send off a copy off to Mr. Heels!

Mr. Grant, the appraiser, had promised Bill, he would send a copy to Mr. Heels' attorney very soon! Because, he wasn't allowed to send him a copy... he had requested an original formatted print because that was the government stipulation!

Everything was looking up! Everything was falling into place at the moment except for one single thing - Vanessa's heart! And Bill Spence thought about getting it one way or the other but, he wouldn't force her to love him!

Before the fiery sun rested its tiresome head, Bill honored his commitments and drop-by each pending work site; and also, each potential work site! With some he made his deals and with others he signed off on them ­­­­- the keys were ready to be handed to their occupants!

The lights on poles had registered now and the black dust had settled the atmosphere also!

While, moving cells of lights glistened throughout the sleepless streets of the city; Bill made his way home exhausted and weary from his days' worth of mental labor! And once home his routine was the same: shower, swallow, sleep! He only needed a light snack! After all, he had a very big lunch with Mr. Grant earlier on today!

But his rest wasn't eternal right away! A little nap and Bill was up! He needed to inform Mr. Heels that he had received the appraisal report for the property he and his family had abandon years ago! And that he would like to send him a copy right away or tomorrow if he had access to a fax machine; and could relate the numbers to him and why the price was what it is! Even though, his attorney would be sending him a copy or would be relating the price to him, soon! But Bill was anxious and needed to get the show on the road!

When the telephone wrong and Mr. Heels received the news; he was not at all receptive to the information he was hearing! He thought the house should be valued more than that, because it was situated in one of the more, better neighborhoods in the city! And he also believed it could not be as bad as Bill had expressed to him that it was! In his mind he thought, because, it was made of concrete and according to him concrete don't rot or deteriorate easily!

His feelings were undisguised! But, he was also very ignorant about the state of the property... how run-down it had become!

But, when Bill Spence gave him the option of obtaining another appraiser; so as to get a second opinion of the value of the property; he began to dwindle in his speech! And concluded that the appraiser must know what he is doing! So he gave Bill a fax number where he could be reached the following day and told him, he would get an answer from him for sure, by tomorrow afternoon!

Now, Bill was contented! He slept straight through the rest of the night, until his biological clock alarmed him that it was time to get-up from the bed and start preparing for work!

Once at work, Bill was calling hard ware companies, ordering building materials for one of his new projects which he had had the go-head on! As soon as he was done making those calls, he took the keys for the buildings he had already completed, placed them into separate envelopes, called the owners and told them to meet him at the various properties! There, he could do a final walk through with them and then, handed the keys for the properties over to them!

And not only that, his agreement stipulates that; at the completion of the building he would be handed the other half of payment charged to them, initially, to construct the buildings and have the grounds landscape! And for each envelope with keys he submitted to each of his client an envelope with a fat check had been handed to him!

These tasked been accomplished, Bill Spence was more than happy! It had been an excellent work-week for him!

Mainly because, two properties he had been contracted to work on had been completed - the work was done and persons were ready to move in! The appraisal report for the abandon house had been obtained; even though the roof was not in excellent condition, but it was in very good condition, needless to say! Good news had come in about the water tanks and a good size fortune had been found and safely tucked away behind his head board!

After the thank you and the hand-shakes, Bill went back to the office! Now, he was calling, Synthetic & Things! They had good news for him this time -­ no more waiting for him! The water tanks were ready and waiting on him this time!

At first, Bill thought about hiring someone to go and pick them up and bring them to his house for him! But, he had a change of heart! So he told the company, it was okay for them to deliver the water tanks to his house and he will meet them there within the next two hours or so!

And when they arrived, he was there waiting for them!

Even though, the tanks were empty, they were very heavy! It took three men to lift one! And so with several trips from the delivery truck to the side of Bill's yard, all thirty-one water thanks were placed on his lawn; causing it to look like some major biological experiment was taking place there! Now, the water tanks were waiting for their occupants to come and claim the ones they had paid for! And before he went back to his office, Bill made it, a point of duty, to call some of those neighbors whom he knew had paid him some money for their tanks already; and related to them the good news - the water tanks are here!

It was the water company they all had to contend with now about bringing water to them each month or whatever the case might be!

Before Bill returned to his office, he had a shower and a change of clothes; because his clothing was too wet from sweating so much; during helping the men with the water tanks! He was now feeling refresh, revived and revitalized! He was ready for work again!

Paying attention to details, Bill realized it was time to fax the appraisal report to Mr. Heels; so he could have a better brake down of the property and conclude if he was ready to sell it for that amount or if he should try and put some funds into it and make a substantial amount from it!

But it was not until the following night before Bill had gotten any word back from him! And Bill home phone rang which hardly ever rings unless it was an emergency! And when he picked up the receiver it was Mr. Heels on the phone with some good new!

"I just finished talking with my attorney and he had related to me it was best if I sold the property! I was thinking about putting some money into it and then selling it! Because, I think three-hundred thousand is a bit too small! I really believe it is worth more than that!"

Bill felt bad for the man, but he had showed no interest in the property for so many years now... over twenty add years! What did he expect? Because it was in one of the better communities in the city it was going to be sold for good- good price and it had not been taken care of! Not even a little paint dash on it to bring it up to par!

And with sorrow in his voice Bill gave Mr. Heels a break-down of his expenses, if he should make the trip to the island and have the house refurbished!

"Well, Mr. Heels, you should consider all the money you are going to spend and how long it is going to take the house to be sold; for you to make a profit! You might end up with a lost instead of any gain at all! You must remember you have to pay for a place to stay! Even if, you will be staying by your sister, she is going to want some money from you! You will have to recruit work-men, pay the work-men, buy the materials, obtain a permit; and that is going to take a while! And then, you will have to re-apply for the light and water to be turned on! Will the work be completed by the time you are ready to go back to the states? There are the things you have to consider before you decide on coming here! Who is going to show the house for you, your sister? And not to mention the back taxes you owed on the property! If you didn't have someone taking care of it the last time you left it; are you going to have someone taking care of it now and how much are you going to pay them to do so?"

Bill Spence explained.

Bring had all the points, he should consider before making this step! Bill knew, Mr. Heels sister was not able to go back and forth, to show anyone the house; that would kill her! She was too old and frail for such a task! When Bill had finished nailing it to him, he agreed and gladly accepted what the appraiser had stated the house was valued for!

With the terms discussed, Bill was given Mr. Heels' attorney phone number. There, he will obtain the deed for the property and he should hand the attorney the check required with the amount for the property! And the attorney will fill out and sign whatever forms needed signing; and whatever forms that needed to be relinquished to him... whatever paper work is needed to make the deal official!

An act of caution, Bill submitted a check with the sum owed to the municipal office and paid the taxes owed to the city! And the balance, he paid to Mr. Heels' attorney! And within less than three days later, Bill Spence was the proud owner of the old dilapidated - neglected and ruin property that stood over from the next street behind his house!

Now, he was in a position to do whatever he wanted with it! And he sure had some marvelous ideas!

As the night went by, Bill laid in bed envisioning how to transform the dilapidated house and causing it to shine once more, even more than it was before!

And as some of Bill's neighbors and friends came one by one and sometimes, two by two to collect their water thanks; he felt proud that they were able to accomplish this task together! And he felt a sense of relief that they will not be at his front steps so often again; and he will have some more private time to see - date and even make a commitment to someone, preferable, Vanessa!

Bill hadn't heard a word from Janet Clark, Vanessa's boss; about coming to pick up her water tank or neither, did he hear about the payment for the water tank which she owed him for! Furthermore, he hadn't seen Vanessa come along with the crowd who usually come to visit him; or with his friends, the Hudson's! And so, he took it upon himself to walk by her house to enquire! Not that he had to but because he wanted to see Vanessa! If it was a question he wanted to ask her; he could have easily done so by using the telephone to ask her!

With a shower, a shave, sharper looking than a razor; Bill took for the streets! Long and brisk strides, as if he hadn't worked all day! And within twenty minutes or less, Bill was pounding on Janet Clark's gate, enquiring if anyone was there to let him in! But no one answered!

There was a dim shimmer of light inside the house that could be seen from the huge picture setting front window!

He wanted to force himself inside to see if anyone was not really there! But he hesitated and started retracing his steps back home! But luck would have its way! As he was about to turn the corner of his street a vehicle pulled up beside him! It was Janet Clark and her brother!

They told him to hop-on-in and drove him to his house! In that moment they stated that they had just taken Vanessa to the bus stop! It was her weekend off and she had to go home to see her family in the country! She wouldn't be back until Monday morning! And they had planned on stopping by him on their way back to collect the water tank and paid whatever had been in arrears!

From her purse, Janet Clark took out the funds she owed Bill and handed it to him! Bill counted it to make sure it was the correct amount and placed it into his pocket; he then lend them his muscle and placed the water tank into back of Janet Clarks' vehicle! And from the look of things, Bill knew they were going to need another hand, so he offered to ride back to their house with them and help them set up the water tank in a stable and secure space! Which they thanked him very much for his generosity and offered to give him a lift back home! But, Bill refused! He wanted to clear his head, walking, usually help him with such; and he also believed he needed the exercise!

When Bill reached back home, he was exhausted! He thought, only the loving hands of Vanessa could sooth him into a state of calming relaxation! But she was many miles away and she had not given him the okay that she wanted to be with him as yet! So, he opted for the shower and his fluffy pillow mattress after supping down tons of water!

At brake of dawn, duty was calling once more! Bill had to ready himself for the road and eventually, for work!

And the day went well!

All the supplies he had ordered two days before were now delivered on the premises so work could begin! And as the work-men worked diligently, causing the buildings to be done within no time and inspected; and then approved by the city building inspectors! Causing the keys to be handed to the perspective owners! And Bill felt a sense of gratitude and pride in his work well done! And, a sense of much success in his pocket!

The only call Bill was obligated to make now was pertaining to his flourishing business or to the woman who was spending much time in his head... Vanessa!